He said: "If the sun is bright, I get tanned. If the rain pours, I get drenched. Even if I'm coughing or I have the flu, I will be here."

It is this persistence that has enabled him to earn enough to put his two children's university education, with his wife working odd-jobs to supplement their family income as well. His sons are now in their 30s, married and living with their own families.

Mr Low began selling knick-knacks when he was 20 years old, after he lost his job as a lorry driver when the company went bust.

He said: "Back then, there weren't so many traders at Sungei Road, only about 15 of us. Many of us came around 10am, sold off all our wares for the day and left around 3pm."

He started by selling several trousers, blouses and shoes given to him by friends and family who had no use for them.

As there were no time restrictions, he went there when he wanted to and sat on the road with his wares spread on the ground. Today, Sungei Road flea market is open only from 1pm to 7pm.